It’s funny how touchy people get when it comes to holidays. It seems to me if we have reason to celebrate something the Lord has done, there’s no need to turn it into something we solemnly contemplate and don’t joyously celebrate. Are there times to solemnly contemplate? There are times for everything… and there are times for celebration. The trend these days in the circles I’ve seen in this area have been more anti- than anything, and it truly ruins the most joyous reasons for some great celebration. The following are random thoughts in no particular order. This is not the time to critique my grammar or writing skills, because this entry really is just me processing some thoughts I’ve had of late.
1– The trend for anti-catholicism: I see this some in the USA, but moreso in hispanic and latin evangelical cultures. This trend fails to recognize the origin of some of the most basic developments of our faith AND also discredits many very biblical practice in fear of idolatry. Do we need to be careful not to idolize? Absolutely! It’s a commandment! But should we blindly accuse others of idolatry if we don’t understand their intentions or the attitude or lack thereof of worship? Should we discount biblical practices simply because it seems like a catholic thing to do? The latter seems especially ridiculous, but it happens. Many are so afraid to be catholic, they don’t even recognize what the catholics “get right” biblically! In doing so, we adhere to a doctrine of anti-doctrine instead of adhering to a biblical faith.
2– The trend of solmnity: It works wonders and is can be amazingly powerful on days such as good Friday, but can also downplay the celebration of the resurrection when we focus so much on the pagan holidays which occur (sometimes purposefully, but in the event of Easter coincidentally) around the same time that we lose focus of what Christians worldwide should be united in celebrating. Where are my Resurrection parties? Of all the things we celebrate, why do we celebrate our salvation the least? I do not believe I’m being sacrilegious when I say “Let’s PARTY!”
3– The trend of paranoia: Goes along with trend number 2. Instead of spreading the Gospel (i.e. GOOD News), the news that spreads most quickly within many Christian circles is not so great.
It’s disappointing. Has no one read their own holy scripture recently? What kind of testimony do we give when we spread fear, paranoia, disunion and distress? And what about the parts of the Bible we like to read to ourselves when we want something from God? If we read and expect God’s blessings, why should he give them to us if we don’t pass them on and spread these words as well?
I’m just saying, the Bible has many sides. If you’re a Christian, think about giving a more balanced and biblical testimony. If you’re not a Christian, I’d advise you to look to the Jesus of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John before you look to any Christian. Your friends can misrepresent you, but others can know the truth and know you best by personal encounter.